The Nailsworth Brook provides a very variable flow of water. In 1834 Playne wrote that the five water wheels provided between 40 and 10 horsepower. As the mill was equipped with ever more machinery it needed increased and more regular power.

• The leat was a straight, quite deep supply, most efficient in wet weather.
• The springs along the valley’s side were bought up to maximize the flow of the stream. (see the 1844 map)
• The meadows in the valley bottom were converted into mill ponds. This was helped by buying Egypt mill as its land stretched below the mill.

1901 A major re-organisation of the power in the 1855 mill was carried out to drive the Walker family’s new stick mill.

• A Governor designed by H.J.H. King of Nailsworth was installed to ensure the wheel turned as regularly as possible.
• New drive arrangements were installed by Whitfield’s Foundry of Dudbridge, where Sainsbury’s now stands. (See iron plaque to left of the water wheel)
• These have been adapted to drive the raising gig.

Fountain on the Watledge road designed by George F. Playne, partner at Dunkirk Mill and erected by Edward Dutton D.C.L. of Dunkirk Manor House.